Washington DC, 24th of July 2012

Model of human rights protection of sex workers

exposed to forced HIV/STI testing trough combination of court litigation and psycho-social

support Hajdi Shterjova Simonovikj lawyer at NGO HOPS

Skopje, Macedonia

Sex workers rights in MacedoniaHops’s experienceThe police raid and after it HOPS’s response Developing the model of free legal aid

combine with psychosocial supportResults, obsticles and challenges Conclusion

SEX WORKERS RIGHTS IN MACEDONIA

The Law stipulates that:

- the “prostitution” is misdemeanor and it is subject of a fine

- only those who are selling sex can be fined

This makes sex workers very vulnerable and exposed to violation, discrimination, stigma

- self-stigma - No trust in the system

HOPS’s experience with human rights breaches of SW

- More then 12 years work with Sex workers on the open scene in Skopje, Macedonia

- More than 7 years free legal aid for sex workers

- Sex workers in Macedonia, almost never REPORT human rights violations

- If decide to report, very often withdraw the case

- Importance of raising awareness for reporting and litigate cases of human rights violations

THE POLICE RAID AND AFTER IT

23 Sex workers unlawfully ARRESTED and DETAIND

Tested on HIV/HCV without their consent7 sex workers were CRIMINALY

CHARGED The MEDIA’s reaction

HOPS’s response

Mobilizing both national and international communities

Press releases

Documenting the case

Developing the model of legal and psychosocial support

Legal aid for sex works before the raid

Immidiate respond after the incident:- Forming a team of lawyer, outreach and social worker and

psychologist- Importance of each role in motivation process - TWO civil litigation cases were filed before the national court

by sex workers - Defending SW in criminal procedure lunched against them

The results:- 7 SW criminaly charged were not sent to prison - One of the civil cases –WON- More than 50% of detained and tested SW 3 years are

litigating agaist state institutions The Obsticles- Political and media presure- Long lasting court proceduresThe chalenges- Involving the media in a positive way- Sustainability - Peer support and activism

The results, obsticles and challenges

CONCLUSION

Promoting the success of this model nationally and regionally, in order for organizations working with marginalized groups to adopt it in motivating them to report violence and use disposable mechanisms, including litigation. These positive outcomes will empower SWs in our country to seek justice

THANK YOU